Why Christians Pay More Tax
Christians pay more tax. That’s true (or at least it should be true!). Why? Because we’re honest (or at least we should be honest!). It is tax time. Sigh… time to find all those receipts and submit your return. Most of us don’t get very excited about that. I’m just thankful I married an accountant who loves this stuff! And of course, we all love getting a return payment, if we’re eligible.
Tax time can be a tempting time, though. It is easy to fudge on a few facts to advantage ourselves. We might avoid declaring income we received in cash. We might exaggerate our home office costs. Tax avoidance is an Australian national pastime. Finding a new loophole can be a badge of honour among friends or family. It is so easy to get caught up with the crowd and join in, especially when we perceive large companies or rich people pay way less tax than they should.
So what will persuade our hearts to be different?
For the love of God’s glory. He does not hold back from blessing us. Let’s live in such a way that we bring no shame on His Name. We can give due honour to Him by obeying the governing authorities He has given us (Romans 13.1-7).
For our good. "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4). Our taxes are for the good order of society. We get roads to drive on, hospitals, schools, pensions, the NDIS, police and other emergency services, armed forces giving us security, and more.
For the good of others. God never holds back in blessing us - He gave us His only Son. Christians were integral to developing welfare systems, hospitals and schools in the first place. We should be happy to see these institutions continue to bless and benefit many.
"This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another" (Romans 13:6-8a)
Or Jesus put it so simply: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s" (and that’s not just a salad).
Grace and Peace,
Mark